Children everywhere are often more emotionally attached to their mothers than their fathers. This is understandable, as an infant, still unable to see, is the most sensual among humans. A newborn baby can feel the presence of a mother, respond to her touch, voice, and smell. A mother is the infant’s first introduction to life.
Small wonder that when western society decided to honor motherhood with a special day called Mother’s Day, the idea caught on fast and wide. It is now observed in more than 40 countries, and the celebration is backed by various governments and their officials, who saw the opportunity to pontificate on motherhood, maternal bonds and overall good family values.
Mother’s Day was last celebrated in the Philippines on May 10.
Not to be outdone, then, is the idea that the father of the family should also be honored with his own day.
The concept of a Father’s Day came from Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington, a woman who adored her father. She stumbled on the idea after hearing a sermon in church praising mothers on Mother’s Day. She thought that if mothers are to be honored this way, fathers, too, should be recognized by society for their role in raising the kids and providing the needs of the family. The celebration was set in June.
Dodd’s father was a veteran of the Civil War who raised Sonora and her siblings following their mother’s death in childbirth.
The observance of these special days for parents easily became popular and received much support from government officials, educators, religious leaders and the business community.
This is because young adults who still have living parents are always encouraged to treat their mothers or fathers to the best meals, gifts, and other treats on their designated days.
Consequently, department stores, malls, restaurants, cinemas and hotels are most active during these days. We saw this in Metro Manila, Cebu, Iloilo and other local cities last May.
We will again see this on June 15, when Filipinos celebrate their own version of Father’s Day.
SM and Robinsons Malls
Being one of the biggest local malls, SM Supermalls came prepared in a big way in offering its special food menus for the one-day bonding with dad. They prodded customers to treat their fathers to steaks and ribs, ramen and cold brews, and whatever their gustatory choices are. Participating restaurants include Gringo, Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things, Mang Inasal, etc.
For sports enthusiasts, SM touts fathers to grab the kids and dive into epic esports battles on big screens or enjoy a full-on game day at SM’s Game Park attractions. For gift items, there are also iphones and laptops at the Cyberzone, and golf gear at Empire Golf & Sports Shop. Personal grooming and wellness are provided at Bruno’s Barbers and The Mandara Spa. Fathers would really feel pampered here.
Robinsons Malls, too, will not pass up the business opportunities provided by Father’s Day.
At the heart of the celebration here is the “Dad + Me Festival” which is a fun-filled event designed to foster bonding moments between dads and their children, particularly those aged 3 to 11.
All members of the family can participate in interactive experiences such as obstacle courses, basketball shootouts, arts and crafts activities. Physical activities will necessarily work up an appetite, and Dad can be treated to his favorite cuisine in any of the top restaurants here—a hearty hot pot in Haidilao in Robinsons Galleria, Azela in Robinsons Manila, or Paradise Dynasty in Robinsons Magnolia. Diverse options are available in Opus Mall and Robinsons Antipolo.
Megaworld Hotels
Megaworld Hotels said this Father’s Day, give dad something he will truly appreciate like a day to relax, recharge, and enjoy the little things.
Megaworld Hotels & Resorts makes it easy to plan a celebration that is thoughtful yet laid back experiences. Megaworld has special Father’s Day packages you will want to take advantage of.
At Grand Westside Hotel, you can treat dad to a restful break with the “Unwind & Relax” package. If you are in the Visayas, Richmonde Hotel Iloilo invites you and dad to a “Summer Getaway with Dad,” inclusive of special tokens and exciting perks. Meanwhile, if your family is heading to Cebu, Belmont Hotel Mactan offers “The Perfect Stay”. From stylish city hotels to relaxing coastal retreats, there is something to match every dad’s vibe.
If your dad is the type who wakes up early every single day for work, errands, or taking care of the family, Father’s Day is the perfect time to gift him the most underrated luxury of all: more sleep. Let him stay under the covers longer with hotels like Kingsford Hotel Manila and Richmonde Hotel Ortigas, which offer late check-out for Father’s Day weekend, subject to availability. It is a small but meaningful gesture that lets him know it is okay to slow down and rest, even just for one morning.
No celebration is complete without good food, and Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to take your dad on a culinary adventure. For those staying in the metro, head to Savoy Hotel Manila for their mouthwatering Father’s Day Lunch Buffet at only Php1,388 per person. Better yet, come as a group of four, and one lucky dad eats for free. If your family wants a food-centric staycation, Hotel Lucky Chinatown offers a Php4,000 stay just minutes away from the iconic eateries of Binondo perfect for dads who love exploring authentic flavors and local classics.
Dads need pampering too. A relaxing massage or spa session might be just what he needs to melt the stress away. If you’re looking for a spa with a scenic view, head over to L’Uva Vineyard Spa at Twin Lakes Hotel, where dad can enjoy the ultimate rejuvenation surrounded by vineyard landscapes.
This Father’s Day, skip the bells and whistles. Keep it easy, effortless, and full of heart. Whether it is a staycation, a massage, or a meal shared, these thoughtful ideas from Megaworld Hotels & Resorts ensure that your celebration is focused on what really matters—time well spent together.
Celebrating Father’s Day on Sunday, June 15, may be simple and frugal, or affordable and expensive, but the idea is to honor thy father, after honoring thy mother, so that God would ensure a long and happy life for you. DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN